When Verizon launched Skype Mobile for their Android phones earlier this year, we were under the impression they had locked up a long-term exclusive deal. Skype removed the Skype Lite client from the Android Market and only Verizon customers were allowed to download the full version of their app.

Now we learn that Skype Mobile for Android will be coming to all carriers around the globe and it will happen later this year. Skatter Tech questioned Skype when they would release Skype Mobile for the Sprint EVO and they responded with the good news. Android users can currently connect to Skype through apps like Fring and Nimbuzz, but many have longed for the official client.

Skype will also be taking on Fring and Qik with their own video calling service. Over one third of Skype’s calls happen via video so it makes sense for them to implement this feature now that we have Android phones with front-facing cameras.

“We will be bringing a direct to consumer app to the Android marketplace later this year. This application will be available for all consumers globally to download regardless of carriers. We’re betting big on video, and we intend to set the bar on mobile video calling, and it’s something we’re going to do this year.”Brianna ReynaudSkype PR

Taylor is the founder of Android and Me. He resides in Dallas and carries the Samsung Galaxy S 4 and HTC One as his daily devices. Ask him a question on Twitter or Google+ and he is likely to respond. | Ethics statement

@sparki
Agreed. First the $10 extra from Sprint and now an additional $5 to Qik if we want to use one of the features that came with the phone, ridiculous. Let’s hope this nickle-and-dime behavior doesn’t continue, or I may regret leaving T-Mobile for Sprint and the EVO.

If you have ever taken language courses before and failed to see your instruction through to the end, you may already know how difficult it can be to retain a language in your memory without constant practice. There are now a number of new methods that can be used to help combat this retention problem, so that you are better able to hold onto what you have learned, and use it even when you are not immersed in the culture that speaks that language.

@sparki
Agreed. First the $10 extra from Sprint and now an additional $5 to Qik if we want to use one of the features that came with the phone, ridiculous. Let’s hope this nickle-and-dime behavior doesn’t continue, or I may regret leaving T-Mobile for Sprint and the EVO.

If you have ever taken language courses before and failed to see your instruction through to the end, you may already know how difficult it can be to retain a language in your memory without constant practice. There are now a number of new methods that can be used to help combat this retention problem, so that you are better able to hold onto what you have learned, and use it even when you are not immersed in the culture that speaks that language.